Generator Control Wiring

[ptonsparky]

I have ordred tray cable in the past. DB and sunlight resistant. Limited to where you can use it and you will have to determine the class 2 problem.

 

[mark32]

They are using n1 n2 as the utility sensing and the other is T1 it is the ungrounded wire for the batt. charger you pick up the neutral in the generator to complete the circuit



Most of Generac's instructions state if you go over the 30ft factory whip or do not use it then they must be separated. As long as the insulation rating is over the voltage being produced then they can go in the same conduit. I know that you must follow the Mfg's instructions but there is no real reason the wiring must be separated. The control wires are running 240v utility voltage. If utility drops out a set of contacts close and the gen. starts. The ATS and gen are not "talking" to each other so EMFs wouldn't bother any thing.

ceb, I read Generac's instruction manual twice before installing one of it's generators and now a third time after seeing your comments, but there is nothing in these pages that say anything about modifying the 30' whip etc. This is for a 17kw gen so as you've stated most, but not all, instructions mention separating the control wires from the feeder conductors in such a case.

 

[goldstar]

I use and only because it is what is specked. 18 ga stranded, 8pr, individually shielded, direct bury cable. I do not run 240 volts in it but I think it is rated for 300v like SJ cord. Our price is something like $1.20 per ft if I buy it in 1000ft spools.

FWIW, I thought all wiring inside the Xfer switch cabinet had to have the same insulation rating, irrespective of the voltages. That's why I don't run the 18/2 t-stat AC condenser activation wiring into the Nexus load management system. I usually install a 4 x 4 x 2 PVC JB under the cabinet and chase nipple it in. I then splice on # 14 THHN's to the 18/2 and run that into the Nexus

 

[goldstar]

As you can tell I'm not fond of Generac after they went to dealer for parts, they wont even allow you to talk to their tech deparment if you have a question, I cant even get a tune up kit or filters unless I'm a dealer or a tech for them, and to become one they want you to stock a whole bunch of parts you may never use, sorry don't have that kind of money, so now if a customer buy's one I'll install it, but I spell it out service or repairs to be done by others.

Welcome to the world of Generac. Try this company :

Generators of Houston
6106 Milwee Street
Houston Texas 77092

http://www.generatorsofhouston.com/contact1.php

I had a friend of mine contact them and they sold him Generac replacement parts. You can also get tune up kits from www.ElectricGeneratorsDirect.com. BTW, don't walk away from the tune-ups. Don't get me wrong, I don't like being an auto mechanic and changing oil but the parts are $35 and it's about an hour's worth of work. $200.00 later and I'm back on the road. Works out great if you can schedule it during your down times.

 

[B4T]

As you can tell I'm not fond of Generac after they went to dealer for parts, they wont even allow you to talk to their tech department if you have a question, I cant even get a tune up kit or filters unless I'm a dealer or a tech for them, and to become one they want you to stock a whole bunch of parts you may never use, sorry don't have that kind of money, so now if a customer buys one I'll install it, but I spell it out service or repairs to be done by others.

I became a dealer (8) years ago and it was a completely different world.. they were happy to have you and not have the "attitude" they have now.. :rant:

I don't want to spend $1000.00 for service tech school and have to attend a refresher course every (2) years..

Also spending another $10000.00 in parts I don't need is another idea I don't agree with..

They send me a 'Confidential Dealer Price List" every year.. I think of Mission Impossible and it will self destruct in (60) seconds after I read it.. :roll::roll:

Truth be told I can save almost $250.00 buying my generator off the Internet from Norwall.com.. but I'm a dealer.. WOW

You can buy maintenance kits from Generac even if you're not a dealer.. but be careful of the price they charge you..

For some reason.. the tuneup kits are priced out wrong with shipping charges added..

Oh and Generac now sells the same kits to Joe Homeowner so he can do it himself.. way to go Generac.. :rant::rant::rant:

They will change the "hard ball" company policies when they start losing dealers to other brands of generators coming onto the market.. :thumbsup: